Geng et al. (Acta Phytotax. Sin. 41: 492. 2003) proposed that Rhododendron xichangense should be treated as a synonym of R. davidsonianum. The key character separating these two species is the spacing of the scales on the abaxial surfaces of the leaves. However, the description of R. davidsonianum suggests that that species is very variable in this character, encompassing the range of variation of R. xichangense.